Materials Science & Engineering Degree in Rochester, NY — Salary & ROI 2026
Materials Science & Engineering degree analysis for Rochester, NY. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$70K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$151K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.7 yrs
in Rochester
Cost of Living
140
index (100 = avg)
Materials Science & Engineering in Rochester, NY Overview
Rochester, New York (pop. 211,328) has 13 colleges offering Materials Science & Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 140 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,592/month. Materials Science & Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Metallurgy and Polymer Science. The adjusted starting salary in Rochester is approximately $70,000, growing to $151,200 by mid-career.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
13
Public Tuition
$13,886/yr
Private Tuition
$56,653/yr
Room & Board
$21,356/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,325/yr
Unemployment
5.8%
Graduation Rate
46%
Materials Science & Engineering Salary in Rochester (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Rochester's cost of living index of 140 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Materials Science & Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $108,000 mid-career, $135,000 senior level.Rochester adjustment factor: 1.40x based on the local cost of living index.
Materials Science & Engineering ROI Calculator for Rochester
Estimate your return on investment for a Materials Science & Engineering degree using local Rochester tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $13,886 | Private avg: $56,653
Rochester avg aid: $10,325/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$140,968
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$21,000
vs HS diploma in Rochester
ROI Payback Period
6.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Rochester
$1,119,032
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,260,000) minus total education cost ($140,968)
Student Loan Payoff for Materials Science & Engineering in Rochester
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Rochester for Materials Science & Engineering
University of Rochester
private
$60,550/yr
$242,200 total
Rochester Institute of Technology
private
$52,756/yr
$211,024 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Monroe Community College
$5,504/yr
Top Employers for Materials Science & Engineering in Rochester
Rochester offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Materials Science & Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Rochester Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Materials Science & Engineering Job Titles
Materials Science & Engineering in Nearby New York Cities
New York City, NY
$83K starting · COL 166
49 colleges
New York, NY
$94K starting · COL 187.2
279 colleges
Oyster Bay, NY
$73K starting · COL 145
11 colleges
Buffalo, NY
$61K starting · COL 122
10 colleges
North Hempstead, NY
$71K starting · COL 141.3
9 colleges
Babylon, NY
$76K starting · COL 152.3
8 colleges
Yonkers, NY
$73K starting · COL 145.3
8 colleges
Huntington, NY
$68K starting · COL 135.6
8 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Rochester
Petroleum Engineering
$70K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$70K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$115K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$70K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$112K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$112K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$109K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$70K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Materials Science & Engineering degree outcomes in Rochester, NY: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Materials Science & Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for New York.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Rochester using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Materials Science & Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Materials Science & Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Materials Science & Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Rochester Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), New York students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — New York programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "new york higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Materials Science & Engineering Degree in Rochester — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Materials Science & Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Rochester.